dental floss

noun

1. a soft, strong, waxed or unwaxed thread, usually made of nylon, for drawing between the teeth to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of plaque.

dental floss

noun

1. a soft usually flattened often waxed thread for cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them

Word History and Origins

Origin of dental floss¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

At Beatrice’s throat, hung from a length of dental floss, was a single pearl—one from Camilla’s necklace that had escaped being restrung.

From Literature

The pollutants, which repel water, oil and grease, are used in hundreds of everyday products from dental floss to cookware to firefighting foams.

From BBC

Due to their water, fat and dirt-repellent properties, they are used in thousands of products such as cosmetics, dental floss, but also in pan coatings and fire-extinguishing foam.

From Science Daily

They confiscate my cologne, and they have questions about my dental floss sticks.

From Seattle Times

It’s also likely you’ve recently come across a video on such platforms warning of the toxic dangers of dental floss.

From Salon